Ebola was first identified in 1976, and since then, there have been several outbreaks in different parts of the world. The disease is caused by the Ebola virus, which is highly contagious and easily transmitted.

Ebola is a deadly disease that has a high mortality rate, and there is no cure for it. It is important to know the risk factors of the Ebola virus and the steps that can be taken to avoid contracting the disease.

Transmission of Ebola virus

The Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, saliva, vomit, and urine. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as clothing or bedding.

The virus can survive on surfaces for several days, making it easy for others to pick up the virus.

Symptoms of Ebola virus

The symptoms of Ebola virus infection usually appear within 2 to 21 days of exposure. The initial symptoms include headache, muscle pain, and fever. As the virus progresses, the infected person may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Other symptoms include a rash, red eyes, and bleeding from the nose, mouth, and ears.

Treatment of Ebola virus

Currently, there is no cure for Ebola virus infection. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining the bodily functions of the patient. Patients are placed in isolation to avoid spreading the disease to others.

Risk factors for Ebola virus infection

There are several risk factors for Ebola virus infection. These include:.

Living in or traveling to areas where Ebola outbreaks have occurred
Direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids
Handling or consuming bushmeat – meat from wild animals such as bats, primates, and bushrats.
Caring for a sick person with Ebola virus infection
Funeral and burial practices that involve direct contact with the deceased, such as washing and touching the body

Prevention of Ebola virus infection

The best way to prevent Ebola virus infection is to avoid contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. It is also important to follow proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizers.

Avoiding contact with bushmeat and avoiding crowded areas during an outbreak can also help reduce the risk of infection.

Surviving Ebola: Increased risk of premature death

Survivors of Ebola virus infection may continue to experience health problems long after they have recovered from the disease.

A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that survivors of the Ebola virus had an increased risk of premature death, with some survivors dying within two years of being discharged from the hospital.

Post-Ebola syndrome

Post-Ebola syndrome is a set of symptoms that survivors of Ebola virus infection may experience. These symptoms include:.

Joint pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Headaches
Hearing loss
Vision problems

Some survivors may also experience neurological problems, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. These symptoms may last for several months or even years after the initial infection.

Risk of premature death

According to the WHO study, survivors of the Ebola virus had a higher risk of premature death compared to the general population. The study found that the death rate among Ebola virus survivors was four times higher than that of the general population.

The cause of death among survivors was not related to Ebola virus infection but was due to other factors, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Conclusion

Ebola virus infection is a deadly disease that has a high mortality rate. Survivors of the disease may experience health problems long after they have recovered.

It is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease and to follow proper hygiene practices. If you have been infected with the Ebola virus, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.